Ammo F.A.Q.

Basic Components of Ammunition

CaseContainer that holds the other ammunition components. Ammunition Cases are usually made of brass, steel, or copper and have been paper or foil

PrimerExplosive chemical compound that ignites the gunpowder when struck by a firing pin. Primer may be placed either in the rim of the case (rimfire) or in the center of the base of the case (centerfire).

GunpowderChemical mixture that burns rapidly and converts to expanding gas

ProjectileObject pushed from the barrel
Bullet is a projectile, usually containing lead, fired through a handgun barrel

Centerfire ammunition
Used in rifles, shotguns, and handgun
Primer is located in the center of the case base
Most centerfire ammunition is reloadable

Rimfire Ammunition
Primer compound contained in the rim of the ammunition case
Rimfire ammunition are low-pressure loads
Rimfire cartridges are not reloadable.